The naked truth: Djokovic enjoys mid-match ice bath

For the first time in the history of the Grand Slam event, male players have been told they can take a 10-minute break from the searing heat when a match has reached two sets to one.

Novak Djokovic puts an ice towel to his face during a changeover.

Novak Djokovic said it was a “magnificent feeling” when he and US Open opponent Marton Fucsovics sat naked in separate, adjacent ice baths during a heat break on Tuesday.

For the first time in the history of the Grand Slam event, male players have been told they can take a 10-minute break from the searing heat when a match has reached two sets to one.

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Djokovic and Hungary's Fucsovics spent their brief time off court at the Arthur Ashe Stadium by stripping down and plunging into ice baths to cool off from the 38-degree heat.

“I want to thank US Open for allowing us to have a 10 minute break. I think we both needed it,” said Wimbledon champion and two-time US Open winner Djokovic.

“We had the ice baths next to each other. We were naked in the ice baths -- it was a magnificent feeling I must say to be naked with the guy you are still battling when the match hasn't finished.”

Djokovic won the first round tie 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-0.